[horseman]

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

Anyway I've used a router amd home network long before we had modems and everything went through the STB.

Still an (embedded) CableModem just not a SACM!

After about 5Mbps Tier expansion then even Samsung/Thompson STB's had resource/thermal issues (Pace 1000/4000/4001/4010 particularly) and StandAloneCableModems almost became de-rigeur in early part of millenium (typically on NTL franchise where STB CM's were a tad problematic)

Admittedly my very conservative usuage profile kept my BB via STB until 2nd half of the first decade when first 10:1 speed uplift required a Ambit256 (SACM) to provision 10mbps(1mbps U/S) Tier.

I only succumbed to Docsis3 SuperHub1/VMDG480 in Sept2011 when VM finally introduced R30 firmware with ModemMode. Following participation in Beta Trials on SH2/VMDG485/490/505 meant using both ModemMode and RouterMode although only the SH2 was the first SHub that had basic w/less and RouterMode reliability with my LAN (mainly Apple clients and NAS devices).

The Hub 3.0 currently runs in RouterMode with SamKnows monitor and 1 connection to DS415+(NAS). All the Main LAN load (including second DS415+ connection, DS411J and end devices are currently running on SH2/VMDG485 in RouterMode(recreating Macbook WiFi disco reliability issues).
Despite early release of SH3 (in development timeline compared to previous) and outstanding known issues (even with latest firmware) then basic w/less and RouterMode compared to SH2 (and also SH2AC) is otherwise no worse in my Lan environment.